Apparatus and method for secure program upgrade
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An appliance, comprising:
- a memory comprising at least a hidden portion of memory operable to store at least a portion of a program capable of contributing to one or more functions of the appliance;
a controller operable to process at least a portion of the program stored on the hidden portion of memory; and
an external interface operable to provide access to at least an open portion of the memory;
wherein the hidden portion of memory is inaccessible through the external interface.
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Abstract
An appliance includes a memory having at least a hidden partition of memory. The hidden partition of memory operates to store at least a portion of a program capable of contributing to one or more functions of the appliance. The appliance also includes a controller operable to process at least a portion of the program stored on the hidden portion of memory. The appliance further includes an external interface operable to provide access to at least an open portion of the memory. In one particular embodiment, the hidden portion of memory is inaccessible through the external interface.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An appliance, comprising:
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a memory comprising at least a hidden portion of memory operable to store at least a portion of a program capable of contributing to one or more functions of the appliance;
a controller operable to process at least a portion of the program stored on the hidden portion of memory; and
an external interface operable to provide access to at least an open portion of the memory;
wherein the hidden portion of memory is inaccessible through the external interface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An appliance, comprising:
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an external interface operable to receive a program update;
a memory comprising a hidden portion inaccessible through the external interface, wherein at least a portion of program to be updated resides in the hidden portion of memory;
a controller operable to modify at least a portion of the program residing on the hidden portion of memory based at least in part on the program update received at the external interface. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of upgrading a program stored on an appliance, comprising:
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receiving from a communication link an encrypted update file at an external interface of an appliance;
storing the encrypted update file on an open portion of a memory accessible through the external interface;
isolating the appliance from the communication link;
after isolating the appliance, decrypting the encrypted update file;
modifying at least a portion of a program stored on a hidden portion of memory based at least in part on the decrypted update file;
wherein the hidden portion of memory is inaccessible through the external interface. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification